I grew up in a family of teachers and dreamed about it as a child. The teaching profession has been an awesome vehicle to invest into the lives of children across America. I graduated from Asbury College and received my masters from the University of Kentucky. My first 8 years of teaching were in a fifth grade in an inner-city school in Lexington, Ky. I took ten years off to be with my three small children. I accepted a one year maternity leave in a N.C. fourth grade classroom, before moving to San Diego. There I taught 13 years in the sixth (2 yrs) and fourth (11 yrs) grades. My last 9 years have been in a fifth grade in a .midwestern school in Bremen, Indiana. I have learned that children throughout America live in vastly different environments and situations, but they all have the same basic need for someone to love them unconditionally and for someone to believe in them.
Our court (complete with attorneys, probation officers, bailiffs, defendant, judge, etc.) tried a shoplifting case. Visiting classes were divided into juries which announced verdicts after a short deliberation. The court is now in session!
Students have enjoyed reading Elvira Woodruff's, George Washington's Socks. After discussing the history club's time travel to the Revolutionary War, students mentioned that it would be fun to travel to other time periods and locations. If you could choose one experience, what would it be and why?
Students have enjoyed studying Ellen Raskin's mystery, The Westing Game. and comparing it to excerpts of the movie, while dressed as characters of the book.
Island of the Blue Dolphins has provided hours of fun for our class. Students have enjoyed discussing Karana's use of natural resources, considered her many tough decisions, and enjoyed her unique animal friends.